Daily Archive : Saturday January 12, 2013

News

Family of Reddit co-founder blame prosecutors for suicideAssociated PressThe family of a Reddit co-founder is blaming prosecutors for his suicide just weeks before he was to go on trial on federal charges that he stole millions of scholarly articles. Aaron Swartz, a native of Highland Park, hanged himself in his Brooklyn apartment Friday night, his family and authorities said. The 26-year-old had fought to make online content free to the public and as a teenager...

Prosecutors approve search for Gacy victims By Don Babwin
Detectives who have long wondered if John Wayne Gacy killed others besides the 33 young men he was convicted of murdering may soon get to search for bodies underneath an apartment complex where his late mother once lived, a law enforcement official said Saturday.

Trainer teaches immunity-boosting strategies in Geneva By Marie Wilson
Squats and planks on an instructional kitchen counter were just part of the excitement celebrity trainer and author Jim Karas brought to a Geneva wellness center Saturday during an event aiming to help people live healthier lives. Those who attended the LivingWell Cancer Resource Center’s morning of wellness said Karas also excited them with his charismatic speaking style and motivated them...

Man shot in a San Diego movie theater
Associated PressPolice shot and critically wounded a man Saturday suspected of chasing his girlfriend with a handgun across a shopping mall parking lot before ducking into a crowded movie theater where officers confronted him.

Elgin council candidates debate taxes, city’s imageBy Elena FerrarinTaxes, city spending and the business climate in Elgin were the main topics debated at the first public forum for Elgin City Council candidates. And Elgin’s image, which the majority of the 13 candidates in attendance — out of 22 running in April — agreed is in need of rehabilitation.

Treasury rejects trillion-dollar coin
Associated PressWASHINGTON — Forget about the government minting a $1 trillion coin to solve its debt-limit crisis.Treasury Department spokesman Anthony Coley said Saturday that neither his department nor the Federal Reserve believes the law can or should be used to produce such a coin to avoid a coming battle with Congress over government borrowing.

Obama’s inauguration smaller, yet still grand
Associated PressPresident Barack Obama’s second inauguration is shaping up as a high-energy celebration smaller than his first milestone swearing-in, yet still designed to mark his unprecedented role in American history with plenty of eye-catching glamour.

Shifting landscape as Brown mulls Senate run
Associated PressScott Brown is considering whether to seize a chance to return to the Senate — in yet another special election — to take the place of Democratic Sen. John Kerry if he is confirmed as secretary of state.

Echos of 1963 still felt today
By Christopher Sullivan\Associated Press“So much happened in the ‘60s that every year is almost its own brand ... and ‘63 has a rightful place,” said Jeremy Varon, a history professor at New York’s New School and co-editor of the journal “The Sixties.”

Lone gunman theory doesn’t work for RFK son
Associated PressRobert F. Kennedy Jr. is convinced that a lone gunman wasn’t solely responsible for the assassination of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and said his father believed the Warren Commission report was a “shoddy piece of craftsmanship.”

Has the Milky Way lost weight?
By Govert Schilling\ScienceNOWA lower total mass for our home galaxy would have several implications, in particular for the Milky Way’s dark matter content and distribution. Current theories predict that galaxies like ours should be surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of smaller satellite galaxies-many more than astronomers have found.

Kids get grown-up laughs at NYC comedy club
Associated PressNine-week classes and two-week summer camps give children some basic training in comedy club work before a final exam of sorts — a performance before a paying audience of strangers.

NRA didn’t start out a political organization
By Joel Achenbach, Scott Higham and Sari Horwitz\The Washington PostIn gun lore it’s known as the Revolt at Cincinnati. On May 21, 1977, and into the morning of May 22, a rump caucus of gun rights radicals took over the annual meeting of the National Rifle Association.

Winter weather coming tonight Daily Herald News ServiceAfter enjoying above-normal temperatures for the last few days, a blast of winter weather is set to hit the suburbs tonight.The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory from 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday for every county in northeastern Illinois.

Thousands vie to be ‘The Voice’ at Rosemont auditions
By Deborah PankeyMelissa Hallman, a self-taught singer from Barrington, was among some 4,000 people who auditioned Saturday for "The Voice" at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. “I really just want to make it past the first round," said Hallman, 25, a Barrington High School graduate. The talent search continues Sunday.

Two OK after rescue from ice in Lindenhurst
By Harry HitzemanAn ice fisherman and a Good Samaritan were rescued after falling through the ice at Lake Linden in Lindenhurst Saturday afternoon, authorities said. The man was taken to Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and the woman was treated and released. They were standing in about four feet of water when rescue crews arrived.

French commando killed in Somalia hostage raid
Associated PressA raid to free a French intelligence agent held captive in Somalia for three years went horribly wrong, leaving 17 Islamists and at least one French commando dead in a mud-caked farming town deep in militant territory.

Brazil indigenous squatters may be forced out
Associated PressPolice in riot gear surrounded a settlement of indigenous people next to Rio de Janeiro’s storied Maracana stadium on Saturday, preparing to evict them as soon as an expected court order arrived.

Vatican criticizes court ruling on gays’ children
Associated PressThe Vatican is pressing its opposition to gay marriage, insisting Saturday that children should grow up with a father and a mother after Italy’s high court upheld a lower court ruling and granted custody of a child to his gay mother.

Influential Israeli Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in hospital
Associated PressRabbi Ovadia Yosef, 92, is conscious and in a stable condition, Hadassah hospital spokeswoman Etti Dvir said, adding that doctors had requested he remain in the facility for several days for observation and further checks. She did not provide further details on his ailment.

Notable deaths last week
From Daily Herald news wire reportsA roundup and capsualization of obituaries of note appearing during the past week.

Armstrong will answer 'honestly' during Oprah talk Associated PressLance Armstrong said he will answer questions "directly, honestly and candidly" during an interview with Oprah Winfrey next week. He will also apologize and make a limited confession to using performance-enhancing drugs, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Finding balance between close and too closeOur Ken Potts says one of the toughest balancing acts in a relationship is that between closeness and distance. Obviously, to have any kind of relationship at all we have to have enough closeness. But how much is enough? When does it become smothering? When does it start to rob us of our ability to be alone? When do we start to take the other person for granted, if not actually resent their...

Hundreds of French troops drive back Mali rebelsAssociated PressBAMAKO, Mali — The battle to retake Mali's north from the al-Qaida-linked groups controlling it began in earnest Saturday, after hundreds of French forces deployed to the country and began aerial bombardments to drive back the Islamic extremists from a town seized earlier this week.

Grayslake District 46 forming plans in event of teachers’ strike Wednesday
By Bob SusnjaraGrayslake Elementary District 46 has made provisions to help parents with child care if teachers strike as planned Wednesday. Two schools would be available for children to spend their days with adult supervision. A six-hour bargaining session Friday failed to produce much movement toward a settlement, officials said.

Official: Syrian troops capture much of DarayaAssociated PressDAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian troops have captured most of a strategic Damascus suburb used by rebels as a base to threaten key regime facilities in the capital, a government official said Saturday.

Beauty queens vie for Miss America title in VegasAssociated PressLAS VEGAS — Beauties from every state are competing for the Miss America crown Saturday night, an honor that carries with it a $50,000 scholarship and a yearlong run as an advocate and role model.The winner will go on tour, speaking to groups around the country and raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, the organization's official charity.

Flu more widespread in US; eases off in some areasAssociated PressNEW YORK — Flu is now widespread in all but three states as the nation grapples with an earlier-than-normal season. But there was one bit of good news Friday: The number of hard-hit areas declined.

Sandy relief package swells aid for past disastersAssociated PressWASHINGTON — Conservatives and watchdog groups are mounting a "not-so-fast" campaign against a $50.7 billion Superstorm Sandy aid package that Northeastern governors and lawmakers hope to push through the House this coming week.

Obama's fitness gets test at Pentagon clinicAssociated PressWASHINGTON — The White House says President Barack Obama is getting a fitness test at a Pentagon health clinic as part of a periodic medical exam coordinated by his doctor.The "Fit to Win Clinic" says on its website that it's intended "to enhance military readiness and civilian wellness through fitness, nutrition, health education and positive lifestyle behavior changes."

Emanuel names Midway Airport advisory panelAssociated PressCHICAGO — Mayor Rahm Emanuel has named seven people to a committee that will oversee a possible public-private partnership for Midway International Airport.Emanuel said in a press release Friday the Midway Advisory Panel will represent the public interest for any potential transaction and "ensure transparency, integrity and thorough deliberation" in the process.

Family, Lombard school in dispute over new location’s safety By Marie Wilson
When the School of Expressive Arts and Learning opened this week at a new location in Lombard, it gained a larger space, its own gymnasium and a natural setting atop a hill. It also found itself in a dispute with one student’s mother and grandfather who have raised safety concerns about the new site that school officials say are misplaced.

Chief judge announces grace period to cellphone banBy Barbara VitelloDays before a ban on electronic devices was to take effect at most Cook County courthouses, Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans on Friday announced a three-month grace period.The order banning electronic devices — including cellphones, laptops and tablets — is now scheduled to be in place April 15.

Arlington park board candidate faces objection
By Eric PetersonAn 18-year-old Buffalo Grove High School student is facing an objection to his candidacy for the Arlington Heights Park District board by opponents questioning the validity of signatures on his nominating petition.

Des Plaines man wins $67,100 on ‘Millionaire’By Madhu KrishnamurthyDes Plaines resident Robert Ziecik can buy a whole lot of Magic Kingdom trinkets with the $67,100 and Disney cruise vacation he won this week on the game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Ziecik, 29, an advertising manager and 2001 graduate of Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, was a contestant on “Cruise In and Win Week” on “Millionaire” episodes airing Thursday and Friday on WGN TV.

Content concerns lead Grayslake District 46 principal to halt Twitter account By Bob Susnjara
A Grayslake Elementary District 46 principal disabled his Twitter account after concerns surfaced about several alcohol-themed messages, officials said. Superintendent Ellen Correll said she discussed the matter with Chris Wolk, principal of Avon Center School in Round Lake Beach, after receiving emails from a resident who called attention to tweets about drinking.

4 charged with murder of pair in Joliet
Associated PressWill County authorities say four people, including a son of Joliet police sergeant, are charged with murder after luring two men to a house, robbing and strangling them.

Sports

Kaepernick delivers, 49ers beat Packers, 45-31Associated PressColin Kaepernick ran for a quarterback playoff record 181 yards and two touchdowns and threw two scoring passes to Michael Crabtree in leading the San Francisco 49ers back to the NFC championship game with a 45-31 victory against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.

Western beats Nebraska-Omaha 89-74 Associated PressTerell Parks had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Western Illinois won its 11th game in a row, defeating Nebraska-Omaha 89-74 on Saturday.

Marshall, Tillman named to All-Pro Team By Bob LeGere
Cornerback Charles Tillman made his first All-Pro team, and wide receiver Brandon Marshall made his first as a Bear. Cornerback Tim Jennings and defensive end Julius Peppers were voted second-team All-Pro.

Grant finds balance against Wauconda
Daily Herald reportMcKenzie Burton’s 11 points led a balanced attack as Grant’s girls basketball team held off visiting Wauconda 41-36 in a North Suburban Conference Prairie Division game Saturday. Kaylie Kanzler added 8 points for Grant (8-12, 3-4), which won its second straight.

Conant travels for West win
By John LeuschConant’s girls basketball team went on the road Saturday for a Mid-Suburban West game Saturday.In recent years, that hasn’t been a very successful venture. But the Cougars rose to the occasion Saturday in Hoffman Estates. Led by freshman guard Nireet Dhillon (15 points on 5 3-pointers), sophomore guard Lexi Zades (11 points) and sophomore guard/forward Katie Lomas (10 points), the Cougars topped the Hawks 59-54 for their fifth win in seven games. “That’s our first conference win in several years,” said Cougars coach Dan Travers, whose team improved to 8-11 and 1-4 in the MSL West. “It’s very special. The girls did a nice job against a quality team like Hoffman Estates (9-8, 3-2). I’m very proud of them.”

St. Francis enjoys return to Glenbard South
By Orrin SchwarzSt. Francis seems to like playing at Glenbard South. The Spartans returned Saturday night to the scene of last year’s Class 3A sectional and earned a 45-36 nonconference victory against the Raiders.

Wheeling falls short against Moline
Daily Herald reportJeremy Stephani hit four 3-pointers in the third quarter on his way to a game-high 22 points, but a comeback attempt by the host Wildcats came up short in nonconference play Saturday as Wheeling fell to Moline 58-52.

Cary-Grove upends Huntley
By Steve NicholssAfter scratching the surface with just 3 first-quarter points on 1 of 11 shooting, the Cary-Grove girls basketball team could have hit the offensive panic button early in a vital conference game on the road with first place on the line against Huntley. But the Trojans weren’t phased by their offensive struggles in the early going and used their defense to create offense in a 42-33 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division win over the Red Raiders Saturday night in Huntley. The Cary-Grove win creates a three-way tie atop the Valley with the Trojans, Huntley and Crystal Lake South each sporting just one conference loss. Cary-Grove is the three-time defending Valley champion.

Burlington Central stays perfect in BN-East
By Jerry FitzpatricksThe Burlington Central boys basketball team demonstrated improvement in aspects of the game coach Brett Porto has been stressing in Saturday’s 63-48 victory over Marengo on Rocket Hill. Porto wants to see more scoring from his reserves. The Rockets obliged with 22 points off the bench, led by 6 from junior James Raney, who splashed a pair of 3-pointers.

Point taken, as Stevenson handles Vernon Hills
By Joe AguilarStevenson point guards Jalen Brunson and Justin berkson both played key roles Saturday night in the Patriots’ 73-55 win over host Vernon Hills in a North Suburban Conference crossover.

Yarbrough powers Zion-Benton past Lakes
By Timm BoylePutting together a 20-1 run against a team as solid as Zion-Benton is not an easy task, but that’s what Lakes was able to do Saturday night in Lake Villa. Beginning midway through the second quarter and continuing for the first 2½ minutes of the third, the run enabled the Eagles to go up 35-27 in the North Suburban Conference crossover game. Trying to maintain that lead and prevail over the Zee-Bees proved to be a more difficult assignment for Lakes. Zion rallied from a 9-point deficit and hung on down the stretch to earn a 56-53 victory. Junior Milik Yarbrough scored 18 of Zion’s 22 fourth-quarter points and wound up with a game-high 30, while senior guard Gabriel Ramirez knocked down a quartet of 3-pointers for his 12 points in the Zee-Bees’ fifth consecutive triumph.

Wiggins, Zeitz lead West Aurora to win
Daily Herald reportsWest Aurora 45, Glenbard East 35: Alexis Wiggins and Abriya Zeitz collected 14 points each to spark the Blackhawks in DuPage Valley Conference play. Molly Jordan helped seal the win for West Aurora (9-9, 4-5) with stellar defensive play in the second half.

Metea Valley hands Neuqua Valley first loss of season
By Dave OberhelmanNo team has played Neuqua Valley as well as Metea Valley has this boys basketball season. And no team had beaten Neuqua until Saturday, when Metea dealt the visiting Wildcats their first loss after 15 victories, 55-49 in Aurora.

Rolling Meadows makes its mark
By John LeuschThe most explosive offense in the northwest suburbs is back. After being held to under 50 points in its last two games by Montini and Palatine, Rolling Meadows’ girls basketball team lit up the scoreboard like it has most of the season in a 92-37 victory over visiting Buffalo Grove on Saturday afternoon. Past and future Rolling Meadows basketball players got to see the Mustangs at their best as they improved to 18-1 and 5-0 in the Mid-Suburban East. Members of the school’s last regional championship team (2003) were honored at halftime and Meadows’ feeder program girls got to play an exhibition game at halftime.

Metea Valley claims College Events title By Darryl Mellema
Metea Valley stretched its competitive boys swimming legs on Saturday and found they were very ready for St. Charles East’s College Events Meet. The Mustangs won the five-team event 443-322 over the second-placed hosts on a busy afternoon at the Norris Center pool.

St. Charles North learns its lesson
By Craig BrueskeSometimes a loss can serve as a good learning tool. After letting a halftime lead slip away during a 45-38 loss to Bartlett 4 days ago, St. Charles North’s boys basketball team wasn’t about to watch a rerun occur during Saturday night’s home game against Streamwood.

Hilton’s 26 leads St. Charles East past rival
By John LemonEvery time St. Charles North looked ready to upset St. Charles East Saturday, Saints junior Amanda Hilton made sure the North Stars didn’t. The Saints needed every one of Hilton’s 26 points in their hard-fought 59-55 victory. Her final point capped a 12-for-14 night at the free-throw line and gave the Saints a two-possession lead with just 7.8 seconds left.

Girls basketball/Fox Valley roundup
Daily Herald reportSt. Edward’s girls basketball team has had a rough season to say the least.But Saturday, things got a bit better for the Green Wave.Using a stifling second-half defense to overcome an 8-point halftime deficit, St. Edward defeated Aurora Central Catholic 42-34 in Suburban Christian Conference play in Elgin, just the Green Wave’s second win of the season.“We had great intensity in the second half and it all started with our defense,” said Wave coach Michelle Dawson, whose team allowed the Chargers just 8 points in the final 16 minutes.Rena Ranallo led the way for the Green Wave (2-19, 1-6) with 15 points. Cece Rapp had 8 points and 11 rebounds and Clarissa Ramos added 8 points as the Wave snapped a 6-game losing streak.CL South 57, Dundee-Crown 30: Sara Mickow had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Rachel Rasmussen added 10 points as the Gators (16-4, 4-1) pulled into a first-place tie in the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division with this win. Lauren Del Vecchio added 9 points for Crystal Lake South. Jillian Weichmann had 9 points to lead Dundee-Crown (2-16, 0-6).Prairie Ridge 45, Jacobs 29: Victoria Tamburrino had 8 points and Jen Barnec scored 6 for Jacobs (1-17, 1-5) in this FVC Valley loss.

NHL lockout ends, training camps set to open Associated PressNHL hockey is finally back, and this time it's official. Nearly one week after a tentative labor deal was agreed to by the league and its players, the sides agreed to a required memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Saturday night that truly makes the lockout a thing of the past.

Five keys for Blackhawks season By Tim Sassone
Goaltending leads the five keys to the upcoming lockout-shortened season for the Blackhawks. “Regardless of our situation with this weird setup with this season, the way things have gone the last two years I think we're looking at being a little more under the microscope, little more under pressure to perform and especially do well when the playoffs come this year,” captain Jonathan Toews said Friday on the “Carmen, Jurko & Harry” show on ESPN 1000.

Finishing flair lifts Elk Grove past Prospect
By John LeuschElk Grove’s girls basketball players had a hard time forgetting a pair of losses to Prospect last season. “Especially the one at Prospect where our problem was finishing out the game in the final three minutes,” said Grens senior Diamond Boyd. “We gave the game away. This time we wanted to stay real focused right to the end.” That motivation was evident Saturday night as the host Grens nursed a 2-point with 2:33 left. They closed with an 11-6 run to top the Knights 46-39 in the Mid-Suburban East test.

Boys basketball/Fox Valley roundup
Daily Herald reportSt. Edward 59, Champaign St. Thomas More 46: Nick Duffy had 13 points and 13 rebounds and Antonio Domel added 11 points and 11 assists as St. Edward (13-4) bounced back from Friday night’s loss to Immaculate Conception to win this nonconference game at the Bloomington Central Catholic Shootout.Somonauk 55, Westminster Christian 54: Will Woodhouse struck for 26 points but Westminster fell just short in this nonconference game. Colin Brandon added 12 points for the Warriors (7-10).

Carmel’s Feely really delivers on vault
By Rusty SilberA happy Lauren Feely of Carmel Catholic left with a huge smile after nearly landing a perfect Yurchenko layout full vault on Saturday afternoon in the Lake County girls gymnastic meet hosted by Mundelein. She finished the event the smallest possible increment away from perfection, taking top honors with a 9.95 as Carmel won the nine-team meet with a season-best score of 146.45.

Glenbard North comes up short vs. Hinsdale Central
By Kevin SchmitEven with Chip Flanigan, Glenbard North’s boys basketball team faced a stiff challenge guarding 6-foot-7 Hinsdale Central sophomore Matt Rafferty.With Flanigan riding the bench due to foul trouble, it became almost impossible to match Rafferty in the post.The Red Devils took advantage of Rafferty’s strength inside while rolling to a 66-46 victory over Glenbard North in Saturday’s Downers North Winter Classic. The talented sophomore scored a game-high 21 points and pulled down 10 rebounds as Hinsdale Central (9-5) dominated the final three quarters.

Bulls get thrashed by Suns, 97-81 Associated PressLuis Scola scored 22 points to help the Phoenix Suns beat the Bulls 97-81 Saturday night, snapping a five-game losing streak. Michael Beasley added 20 points for Phoenix, which had lost 12 straight on the road and got its first win away from home since beating Cleveland on Nov. 27.

Fremd’s super at Sopper
By Michael EakenThe pieces are falling into place for a deep Fremd girls gymnastics team, and the Vikings’ score continued to climb on Saturday at the Mari Rae Sopper Invitational. Fremd coach Elise Ference continued to mix and match her lineup, and the host Vikings responded by taking second place with 147.80 points in the 10-team field at Palatine. “The energy was great — you could feel the momentum from the first vault,” said Ference, whose team recorded its second best mark of the season and is on track to be a serious state trophy contender in February. “Now we just have to focus on the minor details and hit it.”

WW South gets a leg up on Wheaton North
By Joshua WelgeRob Kroehnke’s broken leg never hurt so good. Back on the sidelines for the first time since fracturing his fibula over the holidays, Kroehnke’s No. 3-ranked Wheaton Warrenville South Tigers provided a temporary tonic, taking it to No. 9 Wheaton North 57-42 in Saturday’s matchup of DuPage Valley Conference leaders.

Bartlett runs away with Lake Park
By John RadtkeWith a close game against Lake Park earlier in the season and a 15-day layoff, the Bartlett girls basketball team wasn’t about to take anything for granted Saturday evening when the Lancers visited the Hawks’ gym, despite the fact Lake Park is struggling through a winless season. But it took the Hawks less than 2 minutes to establish their dominance in this Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division matchup. Bartlett scored the first 8 points of the game, didn’t miss a shot until midway through the first quarter, ran out to a 25-2 lead after the initial period and rolled to a 75-40 win, the Hawks’ best offensive output of the season.

Lake Park comes of age against Glenbard East
By Kevin SchmitAnyone looking for tangible evidence of Lake Park’s maturation need only look at the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against Glenbard East.Executing in every phase down the stretch, the Lancers held on for an impressive 64-57 victory over Glenbard East in the opening boys game of the Downers North Winter Classic.

Kaneland defends home turf
By Kevin McGavinThe Kaneland wrestling team is a pedestrian .500 for its current dual-meet season. But tournaments in prep wrestling are an entirely different matter as the Knights crowned six champions at their 10-team Margarett Flott Memorial Tournament on Saturday in Maple Park to complete a three-year team run.

Proud moment for Pieper, Warren
By Jeff NewtonHe wasn’t the leading scorer, and he won’t make ESPN for a highlight reel dunk, but this was still very much a night that Warren senior Timmy Pieper will not soon forget. Pieper, who was a member of Warren's state championship soccer team this fall, drew applause for scoring against Deerfield as the Blue Devils rolled, 66-30.

Notre Dame takes charge against Conant
By Greg SwiderskiEverything seemed to be going Conant’s way in its nonconference game against Notre Dame in Hoffman Estates on Saturday night. At halftime, the Cougars led the highly rated Dons 19-16. Solid defense, a patient offense and good shot selection were the norm for Conant. That didn’t last, though. Notre Dame came out in the second half with a swarming defense that led to turnovers and quick baskets in the Dons’ 46-32 win.

Waubonsie Valley rolls over South Elgin
By Brian SchaumburgNow that the holidays have passed, the Waubonsie Valley boys basketball team is looking to start a streak and gain momentum heading into the postseason. The Warriors won their second game of the week Saturday night, dominating host South Elgin, 60-32, in Upstate Eight Valley Division play.

Ravens top Broncos in double OT 38-35 Associated PressBaltimore’s Justin Tucker kicked a 47-yard field goal 1:42 into the second overtime Saturday to lift the Ravens to a 38-35 victory over the Denver Broncos in the AFC playoffs.

Key efforts lift Glenbard North at Lockport
By Mike GarofolaThe latest work from both Jared Cortez and Brian Murphy has been nothing short of remarkable, so it figures a little magic from the top-rated wrestlers at 126 and 152 pounds would inspire Glenbard North in its tournament finale as the Panthers used a late burst to defeat mega-dual host Lockport 41-27 to end Saturday with a 4-0 record. The Panthers used their superior lower-weight strength to outscore the Porters 19-4 over the last six bouts to earn a thrilling victory after a long day of competition against a cast of state ranked teams, including some of the best in area. Neuqua Valley and Metea Valley both went 2-1 overall, while reigning Mid-Suburban League champion Barrington went 1-2 after a controversial call led to a heart-breaking 34-28 defeat to the Porters. Geneva dropped all three of its matches, including its last of the day to Metea Valley 34-32.

Dawson: Don’t vote PED users in Hall
By Barry RoznerHall of Famer Andre Dawson is angry about what steroids have done to the history of baseball, and he doesn’t want to share a stage with any of the drug users in Cooperstown.

Glenbard West back on track
By Stan GoffSaturday’s wrestling quad at Wheaton Warrenville South proved to be just the remedy for what was bothering both the host Tigers and Glenbard West the previous night.

All ages share in another victory, Lakes
By Joe AguilarLakes coach Pete Schneider has seen his seniors’ competitive side. That would be his girls basketball team’s unofficially adopted senior citizens, who reside at Victory Lakes senior living community in Lindenhurst. Since Schneider became the Eagles’ coach four years ago, he has made a habit of inviting the seniors to his team’s home games. The polite, well-behaved folks were in attendance Saturday, as Lakes defeated Round Lake 60-31 in North Suburban Prairie Division action.

Carmel meets challenge from Sanders, McNamara
By Bill PemsteinAfter one quarter of basketball action at Carmel, junior guard Kathleen Felicelli was on pace to score 40 points in an East Suburban Catholic Conference battle with visiting Bishop McNamara on Saturday. But she had other issues to deal with. Like, take a turn trying to guard Khadaizha Sanders, a splendid sophomore guard. “She’s really good,’’ Felicelli said. “And she’s just a sophomore.” Sanders scored a game-high 28 points. Still, Carmel (13-7) opened up a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter. And then Sanders scored 9 points in the last two minutes and made things interesting. Carmel withstood the challenge and posted a 55-49 victory.

Kelly set to return to Notre Dame next season Associated PressNotre Dame coach Brian Kelly will be back with the Fighting Irish next season after leading them to the national title game this past season.Kelly, who interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week, says his interest with the NFL is over for now. "After much reflection and conversation with those closest to me, I have decided to remain at Notre Dame," Kelly said.

Illini fall flat, get ripped by Badgers 74-51 Assocaited PressSeething after a lopsided loss, coach John Groce hinted at changes for No. 12 Illinois. The way the Illini played on Sunday, it might be time. Jared Berggren scored 15 points and grabbed a season-high 12 rebounds, and Traevon Jackson added a career-best 14 points to lead Wisconsin to a 74-51 victory.

Bradley blown out by N. Iowa, 84-53
Associated PressMarc Sonnen tied two career highs Saturday with 21 points and seven 3-pointers, leading six Northern Iowa players in double figures in an 84-53 blowout of Bradley.

Flames can’t stop Green Bay, lose 53-47
Associated PressAlec Brown scored 21 points, one short of his career high, and pulled down eight rebounds Saturday, helping Green Bay rally in the final minutes for a 53-47 victory over Illinois-Chicago.

Northern Illinois falls to Akron 68-53
Associated PressReggie McAdams scored 20 points, making all six of his shots from the field, and Akron breezed past Northern Illinois 68-53 on Saturday McAdams made all four of his 3-point attempts for the Zips (11-4, 2-0 Mid-American), who have won seven in a row. He missed one of his five free-throw tries.

Mega-impressive day for Cary-Grove at Palatine
By John BumbalesThere was plenty of wrestling to go around as area teams took to the mats Saturday for the Palatine megadual meets. Cary Grove came away as the big winners overall as the Trojans (16-6) went 3-0 on the day with victories over Grayslake North (68-6) in the first round, Lake Zurich (39-22) in the second round, and St. Charles North (72-9) in the final session. Despite three forfeits in every meet, Lake Zurich (16-5) put together a good day with a 46-27 win over St. Charles North in round one before adding a 56-24 victory over Carmel (13-7) to close out the day. The Corsairs also went 2-1 with a 40-33 triumph over the host Pirates in their opener along with a 46-27 win over the Knights (12-6) in round two. Palatine (7-12) went 2-1 as they defeated St. Charles North 45-27 in the middle round before posting a dramatic 34-30 win over Grayslake North in its finale.

Outcome aside, Prospect savors a brush with fame
By Ryan O’GaraStanding outside their locker room in the United Center, several Prospect basketball players abruptly took off down the hallway. Injured Bulls superstar Derrick Rose was walking from the locker room to the court to get in a workout four hours before the Bulls tipped off against the Phoenix Suns. “He was ballin’,” said Prospect guard Bobby Frasco of Rose. “He looked ready to play. It was sick. We’re like kids on Christmas.” It was moments like those which made Prospect’s 65-36 loss to Lyons Township at the Madhouse on Madison more about the experience than the actual result.

Marshall, Tillman named to All-Pro team Associated PressIt's unanimous, on both sides of the ball. Vikings 2,000-yard man Adrian Peterson and Texans pass-swatting end J.J. Watt were unanimous choices for The Associated Press All-Pro team announced Saturday.. The Bears had two players named. Standout wide receiver Brandon Marshall and cornerback Charles Tillman. Marshall set a single-season Bears record with 118 receptions for 1,508 yards. Both were career highs for the seventh-year pro.

No. 20 NC State upsets No. 1 Duke 84-76
Associated PressTop-ranked Duke kept attacking the glass, pulling down offensive rebounds and getting extra baskets to hang around early against North Carolina State. After scoring 16 second-chance points in the first half, Duke had just two offensive rebounds after the break. It was a big reason why the No. 20 Wolfpack stayed in control the entire second half on the way to an 84-76 victory Saturday

Deng leads Bulls to big win over KnicksThe Bulls went 3-for-3 against the Knicks this season by posting a 108-101 victory on Friday at Madison Square Garden. This was a virtual carbon copy of their Dec. 21 win at MSG, when the Bulls opened a big lead and survived a futile fourth quarter comeback. “Overall, I was very pleased,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I thought defensively it was very good."

Business

Hospitals crack down on workers refusing flu shots
Associated PressDr. Carolyn Bridges, associate director for adult immunization at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says the strongest evidence is from studies in nursing homes, linking flu vaccination among health care workers with fewer patient deaths from all causes.

Storm commission urges flood walls for subways
Associated PressCommission Co-Chairwoman Judith Rodin says there is no “single fix” to the destruction Sandy caused. She says the commission sought to gird New York against another superstorm and build on routine maintenance, repair and replacements to “a normal, high-functioning 21st-century system.”

Big TVs with 'ultra-high definition' latest rage Associated PressThe race to make TVs larger and larger has created a colossal problem for manufacturers: As screens grow, picture quality worsens — unless the viewer moves farther away from the screen. This year, TV makers are doing their best to give huge-screen fanatics more breathing room with new "ultrahigh-definition" TVs.

New Dish box sends TV shows ‘hopping’ to iPad
Associated PressDish says it's upgrading its Hopper so it follows you wherever you go — even outside the house. The new box can transfer stored TV shows or movies to an iPad for viewing any time, even when there's no Internet connection.

Intel shows off chip targeting mobile users
Bloomberg NewsIntel Corp., the world's largest semiconductor maker, unveiled chips and technology designed to help it benefit from the shift to smartphones and tablets, away from personal computers. The company also outlined a product that offers the ability to view video on multiple screens in homes.

TV-over-Internet service expands despite lawsuits
Associated PressThe Barry Diller-backed Internet company that challenged cable and satellite TV services by offering inexpensive live television online plans to expand beyond New York City this spring. In the wake of a federal court ruling that tentatively endorsed its legality, Aereo will bring its $8-a-month service to Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington and 18 other markets.

Analysts predicting slow start for ‘ultra-HD’ TVs
Associated Press"Ultra-HD" TVs were the talk of International CES the gadget show, but the televisions aren't likely to account for much of the market even four years down the road, experts say. Ultra high-definition TVs, with four times as many pixels as HD TVs, are expected to account for only 1.4 million units sold in the U.S. in 2016, or about 5 percent of the entire market. Sales in the rest of the world are expected to be smaller.

Google to offer public Wi-Fi in New York City neighborhood
Associated PressGoogle said Tuesday it is teaming up with a New York City neighborhood business group to provide the company's first urban Wi-Fi network. The network will be available free to about a 10-block area surrounding Google's offices in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, where Google has more than 3,000 employees.

Smart TVs get smarter, by just a little bit
Associated PressIn the not-so-distant future, couch potatoes will be waving, pointing, swiping and tapping to make their TVs react, kind of like what Tom Cruise did in the 2002 movie "Minority Report." That's the vision of TV manufacturers as they show off "smart TVs." The idea is to make TV watching easier and more pleasant as viewers are confronted with more and more choices — from the hundreds of live TV channels from the cable or satellite provider to online video services such as Netflix Inc., Hulu and Apple's iTunes.

New Qualcomm chips promise phone video in Ultra HD
Associated PressTV makers trotted out sets with "Ultra HD" resolution at the International CES electronics trade show and Qualcomm Inc., says its chips could let you record video in Ultra HD on your smartphone as early as this year.

Sony uses movie studio to press ultra-HD advantage
Associated PressSony Corp. is finally pressing its advantage as a conglomerate that owns both high-tech gadgets and the content that plays on them by being the only electronics maker to offer ultra-HD TVs — and a way to get movies to the new super clear screens. Sony unveiled 55-inch and 65-inch ultra-HD sets that will sell this spring for an undisclosed price believed to be below $10,000.

Life & Entertainment

Images: Miss America pageantA 23-year-old contestant from Brooklyn, N.Y., has won the title of Miss America. Mallory Hagan won the Las Vegas beauty pageant Saturday night after tap dancing to James Brown's “Get Up Off of That Thing” and answering a question about whether armed guards belong in grade schools by saying we should not fight violence with violence.

No easy way to tell friend you’re dating her ex By Carolyn HaxHow does this woman break the news to her friend that she has been seeing her (recent) ex-boyfriend? She's prepared to lose the friendship, but wants to minimize how hurt she gets, if possible.

Miss New York now Miss America
By Hannah DreierA 23-year-old contestant from Brooklyn, N.Y., has won the title of Miss America. Mallory Hagan won the Las Vegas beauty pageant Saturday night after tap dancing to James Brown’s “Get Up Off of That Thing” and answering a question about whether armed guards belong in grade schools by saying we should not fight violence with violence.

Pets or pests? Owners, officials try to ferret out an answer
Associated PressThe difference between owning a ferret in Hawaii and one in Pennsylvania can be up to three years in jail — and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. That's the penalty for ferret fans in the Aloha State, where the 3-pound members of the weasel and polecat family are banned amid concerns of the animals escaping and wreaking havoc on the islands' delicate ecosystems. But ferret fans argue that the foot-long domesticated creatures make excellent pets and shouldn't be regulated by wildlife agencies.

Cuba to free doctors from onerous travel rules
Associated PressCuba is eliminating longstanding restrictions on health care professionals' overseas travel as part of a broader migration reform that takes effect this week. For many years Cuban physicians have been limited in their ability to travel or had to undergo cumbersome bureaucratic procedures. But now they are supposed to be treated "like any other citizen" when it comes to traveling abroad.

Israeli law aims to make ultrathin models obsolete
Associated PressIsrael, like other countries, is obsessed by models. International supermodel Bar Refaeli is considered a national hero. Refaeli, an Israeli who has graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, among others, is not unnaturally thin. The new law requires models to produce a medical report no older than three months at every shoot for the Israeli market, stating that they are not malnourished by World Health Organization standards.

Swimmer Lochte diving into reality TV with show
Associated PressOlympic champion swimmer Ryan Lochte is diving into the world of reality television with a six-episode series debuting in April. Airing on E!, "What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" will follow the 28-year-old swimmer as he prepares for the 2016 Rio Olympics while developing his fashion line, making media appearances, dealing with his family and friends, and searching for a girlfriend.

Weekend picks: Get travel ideas at All-Canada ShowBy Scott Morgan and Laura StewartGet tips on the best Canadian hunting and fishing spots at the All-Canada Show this weekend at the Pheasant Run Mega Center in St. Charles. Catch comedian John Heffron, winner of season two of NBC's “Last Comic Standing,” at the Improv Comedy Showcase in Schaumburg. Violinist Jennifer Frautschi is the featured soloist in Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" as performed by the ESO at the Hemmens in Elgin.

Bette Midler set to return to a Broadway stage
Associated PressThe Divine Miss M is returning to Broadway, and not as just a producer. Bette Midler will star in John Logan's new play "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers" in the spring, marking the first time the Grammy, Tony and Golden Globe winner has been on Broadway in 30 years.

Automatic renewal contracts are enforceable
By David M. BendoffQ. Our association entered into a five year laundry room lease. The lease automatically renews for additional five year terms unless notice of non renewal is given to the laundry company. Is the automatic renewal provision enforceable?

Mom goes viral with conduct code for son’s phone
Associated PressJanell Burley Hofmann honored her 13-year-old son's "maturity and growth" at Christmas with his first iPhone, but it came with strings attached. Eighteen strings, to be exact, in a written code of conduct that placed the mommy blogger at the center of the debate over how parents should handle technology in the hands of their teens, especially younger ones just entering the frenetic world of social networks and smartphones.

Realtor expects busy spring market
By Jean MurphyIt appears we are poised for a very busy selling season, said Stephanie Doherty, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in St. Charles. "Things are usually very slow in January. That is when I generally take a vacation," she said. "But this year the phone started ringing on Jan. 2 with sellers wanting to list their homes. Instead of waiting until February or March, they want to list them now."

Tips for protecting trees and shrubs from storms
By Dean FosdickEven the sturdiest-looking trees can be brought down by high winds, heavy snow and ice, but there are ways you can limit the damage. Here are some storm-proofing suggestions that will pay off over time.

Why bathroom traps, vents should be up to code
By Dwight BarnettQ. Last week my home was inspected for the buyer. When my agent gave me the buyer’s request for repairs, one thing took me by surprise.The inspector said I needed to replace the traps and vents for the bathroom.

The new shining star of the kitchen is high-gloss cabinetry By Dawn Klingensmith
After shunning them for years in favor of wood and wood veneer, homeowners have fallen in love again with laminate kitchen cabinets — not the kind that look like wood, but a new generation of gleaming laminates with a high-gloss finish.

Five refinance myths debunked
By Jack GuttentagThis series of articles is about opportunities available to consumers to save money on an existing mortgage, or on a new one they plan to take in the near future. This one is about unexploited refinance opportunities.

Discuss

The Soapbox
The Daily Herald Editorial BoardDaily Herald editors take the news of the week and offer up their quick-hit opinions in The Soapbox.

Why our house’s Christmas lights are on so long
A letter to the editor: I have no trouble postponing the celebration of Christmas to occur during the season of Christmastime — including leaving our Christmas lights on until, say, Jan. 6 or a little later.

Applaud Congressmen who opposed compromise
A Kildeer letter to the editor: The Daily Herald’s criticisms of Representatives Hultgren, Roskam, and Walsh for voting against the compromise on the fiscal cliff was misguided and just plain wrong.

Hospital idea spurns Waukegan
A Libertyville letter to the editor: Vista Healthcare should not be pursuing building a new hospital in the western part of Lake County when there remain so many health care needs unmet in the Waukegan area.

Another murder tool could’ve been used
A Des Plaines letter to the editor: It is important that we as a society not be misled by the tools used by the psychopathic murderer who slaughtered those 26 souls in a Connecticut school.

Leaders must step up on gun control
A Schaumburg letter to the editor: The shooter's conspirators are the legislators who filibuster any bill that would restrict the purchase of assault weapons, national agencies that interpret and defend only a portion of the Second Amendment, and American citizens whose hatred of others have no bounds.

Abortion a personal choice for women
A Hoffman Estates letter to the editor: “Right to life” people are very zealous in their beliefs. They feel that if only they could explain their viewpoint properly and convincingly enough, then other people’s minds would suddenly “flip” to accepting their point of view. They are wrong.

We can’t ban guns, so go after bad guys
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: I own three handguns for self-protection and I will gladly turn them in when I see that they are not needed because the entire world has given up the ownership and use of guns. And that will happen when hell freezes over.

Pension plan an undue burden on taxpayers
An Arlington Heights letter to the editor: State Rep. Elaine Nekritz and others proposed that the state pension burden be placed back into the school districts’ hands. Whose hands are those anyway? Is there some magic fund from which this money will rise?

‘Entitlements’ need individual solutions
An Elgin letter to the editor: Congressmen generally use the umbrella phrase of "entitlements" as the cause and cure of our national deficit problem. Occasionally they list the three largest ones: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Their sound bites do not go into any specifics on what changes are needed. Regrettably, the media often follows this broad brush approach.